This blog entry was going to share some history themed content as two overflowing and interesting collections of information lay in the wings. Instead, visitor numbers and developments of one sort or another have been taking place.
I’m always learning as I keep telling you, and despite hearing nothing from the head of the local Highland Council, Raymond Bremner or any other Council ward representatives for that matter, I did find myself speaking with the local Highland Council Ranger/Warden today. He’s called Derek and to state the obvious, the guy has a lot on his plate!
During the tourist themed online meeting the Council held on September 29th, 2021, they were complimenting themselves about the introduction of their Rangers who were speaking to the respective local communities and gathering data. It has taken several months, but contact has now been made with the Ranger Derek who seemed in the dark over several issues. Fingers crossed that further communications may continue and some steps are taken as a result.
The reason the Ranger and I were talking to each other, came about due to a visitor to Whaligoe Steps falling in a hole where degradation is evident. I witnessed a similar stumble a few weeks prior, but with nobody returning my communications at the Highland Council, I was not able to progress any enquiries before this recent incident.
These examples of pot-holes and degradation of infrastructure are just part of the issues which are witnessed by those who visit and live in this neighbourhood. Congestion on a fairly regular basis, my close encounter of nearly being run over ( Student of Life (Part 2) – Whaligoe Eye ), vehicle and property damage due to the inadequate parking facilities here, etc.
The photo where you see a red cone is the point where more than one visitor has fallen, so please be aware when walking from the residential car parking area down to the Whaligoe Steps.
Let’s have some wildflowers now as they look stunning at this time of year here around Whaligoe Steps…
Whilst taking photographs of the wildlife around Whaligoe Steps, I zoomed in on a large seagull and found out to my dismay that it had a yellow tag wrapped around the left ankle.
After some valiant research, I found out how many seabirds were being tagged and surveys conducted by some interested organisations. The British Trust for Ornithology were the first point of contact and sent back some data regarding this specific seagull.
It was initially tagged back in June, 2011, in Badbea, Berriedale. Nearly nine months later it was sighted in Lowestoft Harbour, Suffolk!! Then after a few months we find ourselves in Helmsdale in 2014, sightings taking place around the harbour area.
Jump forwards to 2016, and a sighting placed the great black-backed gull in Albion Landfill, Albert Village in Leicestershire!
It’s a well travelled seagull.
Doing some further research about this type of gull, it’s the largest of it’s kind in the world. Great Black Backed Gull Facts | Larus Marinus – The RSPB
On July 18th, the stonemason heard in the early hours of the morning a tremendous crash as a significant sized object made contact with the north sea. Not necessarily unusual as rocks and debris fall from the overhanging cliffs.
But this sound was something different and after closer investigation, a deer was sighted surviving the 250 foot fall and somehow scrambling to the safety of the shallow cave on the pebble shoreline.
The Scottish SPCA Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals | SSPCA (scottishspca.org) were in attendance with some useful and informative feedback and insight, a great service for anyone who encounters animal-related issues and requires further support.
After a valiant attempt at rescue and assessment, the deer was nowhere to be found. There were hopes that through adrenaline and the fact only one exit and access point down to the Bink were available, that the deer had found a way out. It was spotted by a boat tour on the coastline and it is thought the deer made an escape later during that same day.
There is a memorial located at the top of the Whaligoe Steps which is dedicated to Etta Juhle.
This local lady cared for the Whaligoe Steps for many years and was fondly thought of by many. In the winter of 1975, she cleared away a large landslide using a shovel and a bucket from a fireside companion set throughout the entire season.
Etta’s son Charlie is the stonemason who has been single-handedly restoring the steps and has been mentioned previously in earlier blogs, and has given Whaligoe Eye a peek at a wonderful new plaque which can be found on the bend where the second flight meets the third as you descend.
With the continued sterling and professional workmanship on display, this addition really is stunning. It is still worth noting that three flights of the steps are getting slowly but surely in a state of disrepair and should be approach with caution.
As well as the danger of falling rocks/debris from higher ground, the steps themselves are a little cumbersome in places, so please be aware of this if you’re planning a visit.
Charlie very kindly shared some photographs of the state in which Whaligoe Steps was in a few years ago, and the remarkable transformation in recent times is quite something to behold. More on this subject in later blog entries.
With those updates dusted off and shared, I hope as always this blog finds you safe and well. As visitors and wildlife enthusiasts of all interests converge on this area, I too intend on keeping my eye out for further unfolding developments and observations worthy of your time. There will be blogs about the history too! After all, we are going back over several centuries to the first mention…
Take care and know I’m sending you positive wishes only always. Until the next time, thank you for your continued interest and support. If social media is anything to go by, you are enjoying the content whether it be natural, historic or political.
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